AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE BLOG

Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.

Engine and Drivetrain Problems

Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at DJ's Auto Service Center.

Vibration While Driving

This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.

Poor Braking Performance

Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at DJ's Auto Service Center.

There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. DJ's Auto Service Center has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.

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DJ's Auto Service Center

Vehicle tips

According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.

The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)

Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.

Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.

ASSOCIATIONS

Testimonials

Thank you DJs for being there "once again" for me when needed. Yesterday my rear tire was rapidly going flat. I pulled into DJs late in the day. Though he was busy, Chris willingly took care of my car in minutes. You have been servicing my Honda for 14years. I feel so grateful to have a trusted, honest repair shop to bring my car for maintenance & repairs all these years. Thank you for your wonderful customer service!-Kathy M.

These guys are great! Dan (DJ), the owner, is the best. I recently limped into the shop with a flat tire on my BMW. They took me right away, put on my spare, ordered me a replacement tire, had my bent rim repaired and the new tire mounted and balanced within 24 hours! I also had the brakes on my wife's truck done there for LESS THAN HALF what the dealership quoted me. Quick, reliable, cost effective and great customer service!-James B.

I ordered tires from Tirerack and had them delivered to DJ's for install on my Nissan GTR.
The service and work perfromed was great. I had an 8:30am appointment and was in and out very quickly.
I really appreciated the honest and proffesional work done. I will absolutely recommend DJ's Auto for honest quotes and great work.-Michael J.

DJ's was great. I needed to get a uHaul for my business to pick up supplies and equipment down in Peoria. Chris went out of his way to find the best deal for me since I would be driving 400 miles in one day and also made the drop off easy for me so I would not have to come back during business hours the next day. Quick, Friendly, Reliable, and made my boss happy with the cost. Thanks!-Andrea R.

DJ's is a great place to have your vehicle repaired. Dan, Chris and Matt are very friendly, professional and honest. They really know how to take care of their customers. One time I went to a dealership for a "safety inspection check." They said my vehicle had an oil leak. And they were going to charge me thousands of dollars to make the repair on my 10 year old car. But because of the reviews online, my wife recommended I stop by DJ's to get a second opinion. Matt looked at the car and found absolutely nothing wrong. The issue was only some dry oil from a problem three years ago. Because of their honesty, I saved hundreds of dollars. DJ's will tell you if your car needs a repair or if it isn't necessary. They have always done a terrific job and I highly recommend them!-Alisa B.

I recently had some work done to my BMW at DJ's and was very impressed with their friendly and professional service. As a women it can be intimidating going to get your car serviced but I never felt that way here. Chris was very good at explaining things without talking down to me, like since I am not a man I could not possibly understand what he was saying. The guys are all nice looking, clean cut men, not greasy creepers like other places. The work on my car was done fast and the charges were very reasonable. I will definitely return and recommend them!-Lisse C.

U-Haul:The rep here was extremely helpful and make the process of returning the vehicle quick and easy. By the time I got home I had received a confirmation email on our return. VERY pleased with our experience, from start to finish.-Lucy H.

U-Haul:Service was really fast and very friendly and informative employee at the front desk. Will use your services again. Thank you!-Sigute H.

U-Haul:100% better experience than I had with Budget-Tom T.

U-Haul:
They were very professional, it took less than 5 minutes to my truck. I'll highly recommend this location to all my friends.-Shaun Z.

Went here to get a set of tires installed (shipped from Tire Rack directly), and these guys were nothing but great. Gave me a call when the tires arrived and even squeezed made in at the very end of the day. Would absolutely recommend them on customer service alone.-Dave T.

I've been taking all of my cars to DJ's for well over 15 years, and I've had nothing but positive experience. Dan & his staff are quite knowledgeable & helpful. I've found prices to be fair & competitive, and they always go the extra mile to ensure that I'm satisfied.-Marty B.

I have only been coming here for about a year but DJ'S has fixed problems for me that my dealer didn't find in 4 attempts. My car has run great since then and now this is the only place that I will bring my car.-Anonymous

I have been bringing my vehicle as well as my wifes vehicle to D.J.s for quite some time. Everytime either the service manager Steve or Dan (the owner himself) has fully explained every situation thoroughly before I have authorized repairs. They have answered all of my questions with clear explainations. I just had 4 new tires installed at an unbelievable price and the truck is running great. Thanks again D.J.s!!-Anonymous

Very Professional Shop. Highest recommendation. I have been dealing with Dan ans Steve at DJ's for over 8 years and have always been impressed with their service. I have also recommended DJ's to friends and clients in the Schaumburg area and they have become loyal customers. Honest, organized, and friendly people!-Anonymous

I have been bringing my vehicle to DJ's for many years now and every visit is a great experience. They always take the time to explain why a certain repair needs to take place and they offer great prices. You can fully trust everyone that works at the shop. Dan and Steve are great. I recently had my SUV repaired here and while it was being worked on, Chris was able to follow up with me regarding the status of my vehicle being repaired. DJ's is definitely a place to bring your vehicle for an oil change or to get repaired. THANKS DJ'S!!!!!!-Anonymous

Very pleased and impressed with DJ's service over the last 5+ years. Dan has gained our trust through honest appraisals, super effecient repair time, numerous labor discounts, quality products at reasonable prices, and even a super reasonable loaner vehicle. Dan listens to our needs and takes the time to patiently and understandably explain and educate us on the repairs needed. He and his team honestly assess the priorities of our repairs needed and empathizes well with the hard economic times we are in. We enthusiastically recommend DJ's Auto Service Center!-Anonymous

DJ's Auto was recommended to me by a neighbor. All of my interactions validated that I'm glad he helped me discovered the team there. I presented them with a unique challenge and they well exceeded any expectations I had about how they'd be able to help. What I suspect most people want from an auto service entity is honest information and suggestions as though our car was their own and the money being spent was their own. I had the good pleasure of speaking with Dan and his team at length and can tell that this is their very approach. Make relationships for the haul not for a quick buck.-Anonymous

Just wanted to know if Chris is the manager? He was so helpful with all the question I had. He really knows his stuff. Great job.-Cheryl